The Museum of Illustration at The Society of Illustrators presents THE ART OF MIKE MIGNOLA: Hellboy and Other Curious Objects, a selection of works from Mike Mignola, comic artist and writer behind the award-winning Dark Horse Comics series Hellboy, on display March 6 – April 21.

In this specialized exhibit, Mignola reveals some of his best pieces, providing viewer a look into his dark, spectral perspective. With his easily recognizable style of thin lines, unwieldy shapes, and heavy use of black forms, Mignola has amassed a large following of avid readers of his best-selling graphic novels.

In 1982, hoping to find a way to draw monsters for a living, he moved to New York City and began working for Marvel Comics. During the 1990’s, after developing his iconic technique, Mignola moved to Dark Horse Comics, where he created his signature Hellboy series, a collection of comic books and graphic novels that chronicles the fate of a half-demon occult detective who may or may not be the Beast of the Apocalypse.

In this exhibit, the Society will feature highlights from his fan-favorite Hellboy series, as well as other spin-off titles including work from B.P.R.D., Abe Sapien, and Witchfinder. The Society is also pleased to feature samples from his award-winning comic books including the Eisner Award winner The Amazing Screw-On Head
(Dark Horse Comics) as well as Baltimore, or,The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire (Bantam Spectra), co-written by best-selling author Christopher Golden. This special exhibit will include an array of comic pages, covers, and rarely seen original paintings by Mignola.

An opening reception for the exhibit will take place on Tuesday, March 6th, beginning at 6:30 PM.

In addition, Mike Mignola will be a Guest of Honor at this year’s MoCCA Arts Festival. This 2-day multimedia event, Manhattan’s largest independent comics, cartoon and animation festival, draws over 8,000 attendees each year. Held on April 7 and 8, the Fest will include speaking engagements, book signings, and parties. Further scheduling for Mignola’s appearances including a panel talk and book signings will be available in future announcements.

Mike Mignola, veteran and critically acclaimed comic book artist/writer and creator of Hellboy, will be visiting LMU in room 310 of the Com Arts building on Wednesday, February 14th at 7:00 PM. So in case you want to learn more about character design/world building/etc from a veteran of the industry, feel free to check it out!

Long Beach Comic Expo 2018 has announced their programming schedule for next weekend’s convention on February 17-18th! Highlights include a spotlight on Don McGregor, Strangers Things’ Joe Keery, a trivia showdown with Mark Waid, animation legend Andrea Romano, and an examination of the Black Panther’s big screen debut.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH

COMICS, COMICS, COMICS! (ROOM 103AB)

11:00am – 12:00pmGeeks Got Your Back

Anti-harassment has become a hot topic within the geek community over the last several years. Whether it is anti-harassment policies or grassroots awareness (such as Cosplay Is Not Consent), more and more geeks are looking for ways to make the geek community a better place to everyone. Come join us as we discuss ways in which we can all just be a little more excellent to each other.

12:00pm – 1:00pmKing of the Jungle: Don McGregor Spotlight

Acclaimed writer DonMcGregor, whose groundbreaking work on Black Panther including titles such as JUNGLE ACTION lead to him be one of the inspirations for the current hit Marvel movie. McGregor makes a rare West Coast appearance as LBCE’s first ever Guest of Honor. This spotlight panel explores more than just his Panther work, including SABRE (one of the first-ever graphic novels), RAGAMUFFINS, DETECTIVES, INC., ZORRO, JAMES BOND, and NATHANIEL DUSK!

1:00pm- 2:00pmFanbase Press Presents: The Impact of Latinx Creators and Readers on Comics

QUINCE is a 15-issue comics series (being released in English and Spanish) about a teenager who discovers she has superpowers at her quinceañera. COMADRES Y COMICS is a podcast hosted by three Latina women hoping to highlight the role that Latinos have in the comic book industry as creators, consumers, and fans. Join QUINCE creator Sebastian Kadlecik and COMADRES Y COMICS hosts Kristen Parraz, Sara Bazan, and Jennifer Lopez; and journalist/creator Jennifer de Guzman for a discussion and Q&A session moderated by Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief).

2:00pm – 3:00pmJuicy Ink: Tori Gedvillas Spotlight

An independent illustrator who loves to spread happiness and inspire future artists through her work, Tori Gedvillas has published over 150 videos to YouTube, and amassed a following of over 240,000 on Instagram and 160,000 on YouTube. Working across a wide variety of mediums, Tori uses YouTube and Instagram to share her work and the joy her art-school education has brought her. Discover this unique talent in Tori’s first Long Beach appearance.

3:00pm – 4:00pmWe Are HUMANOIDS: A 20th Anniversary Celebration

Legendary publisher Humanoids comes to Long Beach Comic Expo for the first time ever! Kick off the 20th anniversary celebration of Humanoids’ first publication in the U.S. and learn about the exciting plans we have for the future. New imprints! New creators! New Year! All attendees will be entered into an exclusive raffle for a chance to win free Limited Hardcover editions of some of the hottest Humanoids titles. Moebius? Jodorowsky? How can you resist? The panel will also feature a portfolio review for aspiring creators. Ask yourself… are you a “Humanoid”?

4:00pm – 5:00pmShelfing Yourself – Adventures in Self-publishing

Join comics entrepreneurs Buddy Scalera, Dean Haspiel, Barbara Randall Kesel and Neo Edmund for an insider’s view of the joys and perils of making your own books!

A look at the “sword and sandal” genre of stories (once called “peplums”) that was a huge part of popular culture in the 1950s and ’60s – inspired by Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies – and has been reinvigorated in the modern day by the addition of sorcery and other-worldly settings. Fanbase Press Editorials Manager Michele Brittany is joined by creators and experts to discuss the history of the genre and explore its legacy in stories that entertain comic book readers today.

6:00pm – 7:00pmModern Horror: Stories that Go Bump in the Night

For over half a century, horror comics have told smart, scary, darkly witty stories by some of the best creators in the business. Now some of those creators – including Guest of Honor Don McGregor, HIGH MOON’s David Gallaher and Steve Ellis, and writer Shannon Eric Denton (THE X-FILES)– take part in a ghastly discussion of a genre that includes ATTACK ON TITAN, THE WALKING DEAD, HELLBOY, and more! It might just give you nightmares! Parental discretion is advised.

Cosplay Comedy is a unique comedy show where stand-ups perform their sets in costume and in-character! See your favorite heroes and villains say all the hilarious things you WISH they’d say in pulp and on the screen. Quite possibly the nerdiest and most distinctive comedy show in LA! Featuring some of the geekiest comics from the Los Angeles comedy scene!

12:00pm – 1:00pmBat in the Sun Presents!

Take part in a live Q&A with the cast and crew of Bat in the Sun as they talk about upcoming projects including SUPER POWER BEAT DOWN and NINJAK VS. THE VALIANT UNIVERSE!

1:00pm – 2:00pmPlus-Size Cosplay: Helpful Do’s and Don’ts

Learn about proper costume fitting, design, and styles for plus-sized cosplayers, including poses that better work for plus-size people and how to flash up designs and costumes to hide embarrassing areas. We’ll be talking about the overall cosplay designs for all types of larger-sized cosplayers.

2:00pm – 3:00pmRise of the On-Screen Black Superhero

Are BLACK PANTHER and BLACK LIGHTNING the new normal or just a momentary trend? And what about other races and ethnicities and the “white washing” seen in recent superhero and science-fiction movies? Join writers Matt Wayne (CANNON BUSTERS), EvanNarcisse (RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER, io9), and MarcBernardin (CASTLE ROCK, co-host of FATMAN ON BATMAN) in a thought-provoking panel led by journalist Jennifer de Guzman.

3:00pm- 4:00pmAndrea Romano: Director of a Thousand Voices

An interactive panel with legendary voice and casting director AndreaRomano, an eight-time Emmy Award winner whose decades-long career includes BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES, THE LEGEND OF KORRA, JUSTICE LEAGUE UNLIMITED, TEEN TITANS, PINKY AND THE BRAIN, and more!

4:00pm – 5:00pmAsk Mark Waid EVERYTHING

More than just a trivia panel, more than just a spotlight… or is it both? Award-winning comics writer Mark Waid (ARCHIE, AVENGERS, CAPTAIN AMERICA, KINGDOM COME, THE FLASH, SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT, and more) will answer any question, from obscure Silver Age Superman trivia to “where do you get your ideas?”

5:00pm – 6:00pmAm I Allowed To Like ANYTHING? Loving What You Love in the Golden Age of Geek

For fans of superheroes, science fiction, animation, and cosplay, it’s a golden age. But hand-in-hand with geek domination of the popular arts has come a very hostile environment for being openly enthusiastic about your favorite things. You thought JUSTICE LEAGUE was better than THOR: RAGNAROK? Can’t wait to see a Quentin Tarantino STAR TREK? Like Superman better without the red shorts? Join writers and artists (and fellow fans) Mark Waid, Marc Bernardin, Ramon Gil, and Logan Lubera for a guilt-free celebration of the things LBCE and its attendees love most.

7:00pmCosplay Contest!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH

COMICS, COMICS, COMICS! (ROOM 103AB)

11:00am – 12:00pmHey! Kids’ Comics!

The creators of some of today’s best-known comics for kids (of all ages) take part in a memorable LBCE panel. MY LITTLE PONY’s TonyFleecs, recent Eisner Award nominee Norm Harper (RIKKI), and Director of Programming Ivan Cohen (TEEN TITANS GO!) talk about telling stories for some of comics’ most hard-to-please readers.

12:00pm – 1:00pmBLACK PANTHER: The Writers’ Room

With the release of BLACK PANTHER the week before Long Beach Comic Expo bringing the King of Wakanda to new prominence, we’ve gathered some of the character’s top writers – Expo Guest of Honor Don McGregor (JUNGLE ACTION and the new BLACK PANTHER ANNUAL), CREED co-screenwriter Aaron Covington (BLACK PANTHER: LONG LIVE THE KING), and Evan Narcisse (RISE OF THE BLACK PANTHER) – to talk about the excitement and challenges of telling stories of a character whose prominence and presence have gone beyond comics alone.

1:00pm- 2:00pmTo the Stars! Science Fiction

Creators with one foot in both worlds discuss the differences between creating science fiction for comic book projects and other media. With Barbara Randall Kesel, Marc Bernardin, Jennifer DeGuzman, Cecil Castellucci, and David Gallaher.

2:00pm – 3:30pmStorytelling on the Page

The breakthrough panel from last year’s New Jersey Comic Expo makes its Long Beach debut! Top comic artists work from the same script to demonstrate – in real time – how to break down a comic book story. Gain new insights into how to both write and draw a page from beginning to end. Artists Scott Koblish (DEADPOOL), Drew Johnson (WONDER WOMAN, MIDNIGHT SOCIETY: THE BLACK LAKE), and Steve Ellis (THE ONLY LIVING BOY) work from a script by Frank Tieri (HARLEY QUINN). Hosted by Buddy Scalera (DEADPOOL) of Comic Book School. Sponsored by Marvy/Uchida markers.

MAIN STAGE (ROOM 104A)

11:30am – 12:30pmHow to Get Started in Cosplay at 30, 40, or 50 Years Old

How do I get started in this great hobby? How do I find my character? Where do I find supplies? Steve Gonzales is a 60-year-old cosplayer who has won many awards for his cosplay and wants to share his experience as an older adult starting and creating cosplays and having fun!

Join a group of experienced web-comics creators – including Dean Haspiel (THE RED HOOK, WAR CRY) – as they celebrate and discuss the exciting world of webcomics! Any webcomic creators in the audience will get thirty seconds to promote their comic to the crowd. All creators and fans are welcome!

1:30pm – 2:30pmPolitics and Pop Culture

How do politics and popular culture depend on each other? An in-depth discussion explores political satire, comedy sketches, and the world of politics and explores what the interconnections mean for government and pop culture going forward.

2:30pm- 3:30pmFanbase Press Presents: STAR WARS: Themes of Legacy

Long ago on a desert planet far, far away, audiences were first introduced to Luke Skywalker and the Jedi legacy that had been passed down through generations. This hero’s journey and its long-lasting impact have resonated with audiences on a grand scale over the past forty years in movies, television, books, comics, and more. Writers from the STAR WARS universe – among them Cecil Castellucci (MOVING TARGET: A PRINCESS LEIA ADVENTURE), legendary artist Michael Golden (who also wrote the recent STAR WARS #38), Chris Thorne (TOPPS’ STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI TRADING CARDS) and Kevin Wetmore (EMPIRE TRIUMPHANT: RACE, RELIGION AND REBELLION IN THE STAR WARS FILMS) – join Fanbase Press Editorials Manager Michelle Brittany for a wide-ranging discussion.

3:30pm – 4:30pmCosplay Is not Consent

A panel led by sex-educator Michelle LaBelle featuring burlesque performer Tas Deville, cosplayer The LadyKaylah, and cosplayer and fashion designer Arilith. This panel will discuss proper personal etiquette while at a convention interacting with cosplayers as well as covering consent awareness/protocol and understanding for all humans out in their personal lives. The world is changing: learn how to support your friends and be part of the solution and not the problem. *Trigger Warning* topics covered will be thorough and potentially graphic.

Long Beach Comic Expo is an annual event held at the Long Beach Convention Center each spring. It’s a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators and creators of all types of pop culture. At Long Beach Comic Expo you’ll find exhibitors promoting and selling all types of related products, as well as entertaining and educational programs, guest signings and meet & greet sessions with celebrities. For more specific information about the show, please check out the FAQ. Long Beach Comic Expo is a MAD Event Management, LLC production.

HeroesCon 2018 will be held on June 15-17, 2018! We are still confirming guests and updating our website! New guests are added to the list semi-weekly! Get your tickets for the America’s Favorite COMIC Convention today!

BUYING AN ADVANCE PASS MEANS YOU’LL GET ANY ADVANCE INCENTIVES WE OFFER, FREE!

ENTRY WILL BE $25: FRI $25: SAT $20: SUN / AT THE SHOW ITSELF, SO YOU SAVE AS MUCH AS $20 BY PURCHASING ADVANCE PASSES TODAY! TICKETS ARE NOT REFUNDABLE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES WE MAY CREDIT AN UNUSABLE TICKET TOWARD FUTURE TICKET PURCHASES.

HEROES CONVENTION was founded in 1982 by Shelton Drum, owner of Charlotte’s Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find comics shop. Since then the convention has become famous for its comics-first and family-friendly atmosphere, where fans can mingle directly with professionals and exhibitors. Boasting an incredible guest list built mainly on reputation and goodwill, HeroesCon is known nationwide as a “must” on the summer schedule, drawing fans, exhibitors, and creators from all over the world to the Charlotte Convention Center.

Director Guillermo Del Toro (Crimson Peak, Trollhunters, Pacific Rim, Pan’s Labyrinth) will be signing copies of The Shape Of Water: Creating A Fairy Tale For Troubled Times at the Forbidden Planet London Megastore on Saturday 17th February from 3:00 to 4:00pm.

Starring Sally Hawkins, Michael Shannon and Richard Jenkins, The Shape of Water is an other-worldly fairy tale, set against the backdrop of Cold War era America circa 1962. In the hidden high-security government laboratory where she works, lonely Elisa is trapped in a life of isolation. Elisa’s life is changed forever when she and co-worker Zelda discover a secret classified experiment.

The MoCCA Arts Festival has announced Roz Chast, Liniers, Mike Mignola, Nate Powell, and Andrew Aydin as the Guests of Honor for this year’s show on April 7th and 8th, 2018!

Roz Chast:Roz Chast has created over 800 cartoons for The New Yorker. Her work focuses on urban and domestic life, in her inimitable line. Her cartoons have also been published in other notable publications like Scientific American, the Harvard Business Review, Redbook, and Mother Jones. Her award-winning titles include her memoirs Going Into Town and Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant (Bloomsbury); Theories of Everything: Selected, Collected, and Health-Inspected Cartoons of Roz Chast, 1978 – 2006 (Bloomsbury); The Alphabet from A to Y, with Bonus Letter Z (Flying Dolphin Press), with Steve Martin; and many others.

Liniers:
Argentine comic artist Liniers is the creator of over 20 books. His daily comic strip, Macanudo, combines the charm of Calvin and Hobbes with surrealism and lively formal experimentation. Well-known in Latin America, Macanudo has recently been collected in several English-language editions by Enchanted Lion Books. He has recently gained further acclaim with his books for children, Written and Drawn by Henrietta and The Big Wet Balloon, both published by Toon Books in Spanish- and English-language editions. In 2011 he founded the La Editorial Común, whose focus is to publish works by a diverse body of Argentine authors and artists, as well as foreign creators, with a focus on design. His artwork has also appeared on the cover of The New Yorker magazine.

Mike Mignola:Mike Mignola is best known for his collection of titles created for Dark Horse Comics, including 13 graphic novels collecting his signature Hellboy series, and spin-off titles B.P.R.D., and Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien, and Witchfinder. His comic book The Amazing Screw-On Head, also published by Dark Horse, received an Eisner Award for Best Humor Publication in 2003. Mignola has co-authored two projects with best selling author Christopher Golden: Baltimore, or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire (Bantam Spectra) and Joe Golem and the Drowning City (Dark Horse Comics). In addition, Mignola has worked on numerous film and television projects, and is currently co-writing the script for Hellboy: Rise of the Blood Queen, due to be released by Lionsgate in January, 2019.

Nate Powell:Nate Powell is a New York Times best selling-graphic novelist. He is an alumnus of the School of Visual Arts, having graduated in 2000. His work includes MARCH (Top Shelf), the graphic novel autobiography of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis; You Don’t Say, Any Empire, Swallow Me Whole (all published by Top Shelf), The Silence Of Our Friends (First Second), The Year Of The Beasts (Roaring Brook Press), and Rick Riordan’s The Lost Hero (Disney-Hyperion). Powell is the first and only cartoonist ever to win the National Book Award. Powell’s next book, Come Again, will be released in summer 2018 by Top Shelf/IDW.

Andrew Aydin:Andrew Aydin is the creator and co-author of the graphic memoir series, MARCH, which chronicles the life of Congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis. An Atlanta native, Andrew was raised by a single mother, and grew up reading comic books. After college, he took a job with Congressman Lewis. Today, Aydin serves as Digital Director & Policy Advisor to Congressman Lewis in Washington, D.C. Andrew’s other works include the 2016 X-Files Annual (IDW), the 2016 CBLDF Annual Liberty (Image), and an upcoming issue of Bitch Planet(Image), as well as articles for the Atlanta alt-weekly Creative Loafing and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Teaching Tolerance Magazine.

The MoCCA Arts Festival is a 2-day multimedia event, Manhattan’s largest independent comics, cartoon and animation festival, drawing over 7,000 attendees each year. With 400 exhibiting artists displaying their work, award-winning honorees speaking about their careers and artistic processes and other featured artists conducting workshops, lectures and film screenings, our Festival mission accelerates the advancement of the Society’s broader mission to serve as Manhattan’s singular cultural institution promoting all genres of illustration through exhibitions, programs and art education.

Director GuillermodelToro (Crimson Peak, Pacific Rim, Trollhunters) appears at Egyptian Theatre on Friday, January 19, 2018 at 7:30 PM for a screening of his latest film THE SHAPE OF WATER alongside CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON.